Lincoln, Nebraska, Oct. 9, 2018 – Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $181 million in 88 projects that will build community infrastructure and facilities in 27 states.

The Village of Elba, Nebraska will use a $580,000 loan to improve 13th Street, adding sidewalks, storm sewer inlets, curbs, gutters and concrete paving. The street leads to a school that serves the 215 residents of Elba. Additional funding includes a $250,000 state Community Development Block Grant and $200,500 in applicant contributions

“Infrastructure is a foundation for quality of life and economic opportunity in small towns across our country,” Hazlett said. “Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to building prosperity in rural America through modern infrastructure.”

The projects announced will help improve the quality of life for 1.1 million rural residents in Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.

More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally and state-recognized Native American tribes. Applicants and projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. Loan amounts have ranged from $10,000 to $165 million.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Omnibus spending bill increased the budget for the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant program to $2.8 billion, up $200 million from FY 2017.

In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

-

06-Mar-2019 / Nebraska State Patrol

Valentine, NE - Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a Valentine man in connection with the shooting death of his wife on Monday, March 4.

NSP was initially called by the Valentine Police Department after they had responded to a shooting at 301 Edna Street in Valentine at approximately 7:00 p.m. The victim, Pamela Nickisch, 71, was found deceased. Her husband, Paul Nickisch, 70, and a juvenile grandson were also present at the residence.

Investigators have determined that Paul Nickisch shot Pamela Nickisch as a domestic violence situation escalated. He was arrested for murder and lodged in Cherry County Jail. A final determination on charges will be made by the Cherry County Attorney.

The Nebraska State Patrol, Valentine Police Department, Valentine Fire and Rescue, and Cherry County Attorney’s Office have all contributed to this investigation and response.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

-

06-Mar-2019 / NSP release

MARCH 6, 2019 (VALENTINE, NEB.) — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a Valentine man in connection with the shooting death of his wife on Monday, March 4.

NSP was initially called by the Valentine Police Department after they had responded to a shooting at 301 Edna Street in Valentine at approximately 7:00 p.m. The victim, Pamela Nickisch, 71, was found deceased. Her husband, Paul Nickisch, 70, and a juvenile grandson were also present at the residence.

Investigators have determined that Paul Nickisch shot Pamela Nickisch as a domestic violence situation escalated. He was arrested for murder and lodged in Cherry County Jail. A final determination on charges will be made by the Cherry County Attorney.

The Nebraska State Patrol, Valentine Police Department, Valentine Fire and Rescue, and Cherry County Attorney’s Office have all contributed to this investigation and response.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

-

19-Nov-2018 / Associated Press

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Officials have set a January moving day for veterans to move into the new Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney.

Plans are for the 95 or so residents at the Grand Island Veterans Home to eat breakfast at their old home and lunch at their new home 34 miles west (55 kilometers) in Kearney on Jan. 16.

Officials say residents' families will help with the transition, as well as volunteers who have been training as "moving buddies." The residents will travel in buses and other vehicles, depending on the level of care they require.

The new, $89 million has six neighborhoods of sorts, which each feature three homes that can accommodate 12 to 15 veterans in private rooms.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

-

17-Jan-2019 / Matt Williams

Members say goodbye to the Grand Island Veterans Home as they are being trasnported this morning to the new location in Kearney. pic.twitter.com/P5SKOL4fnv

It was our honor and privilege to assist and welcome our Veterans home to @CityofKearney and the new Central Nebraska Veterans Home! We are excited to have this first class facility in Kearney! 🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/8iyaa5lXLl

Mosquitos in Red Willow County have tested positive West Nile Virus (WNV) for the second time this summer according to Southwest Nebraska Public Health
Department. This follows confirmed positive mosquitos found in Chase County two weeks ago.

“West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitos. It is important to continue prevention even during the cooler weather.” states Melissa Propp,
RN, Surveillance Nurse at SWNPHD. “Use insect repellent which includes at least 30% DEET,” states Propp “DEET in repellent is the most effective
prevention to getting bitten by a mosquito.”

Additional tips will help prevent mosquito bites:

Wear shoes, socks, long sleeve shirts and pants when mosquitos are most active.

Install/repair window and door screens.

Empty standing water from containers such as gutters, buckets, pool covers, tires.

Aerate ponds or stock them with fish.

Use larvicide such as mosquito dunks for water that cannot be drained

Mosquitos rest in dark, humid areas and typically lay their eggs near bodies of water. The use of larvicide to treat water is one method to reduce
mosquitoes. Outdoor flying insect repellent may also be utilized to reduce the number of mosquitoes.

More information on West Nile Virus may be found at the web site www.swhealth.ne.gov. Or call the McCook
office at 308-345-4223, Imperial office at 308-882-4269. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department is located at 404 West 10th Street
– one block north of Arby’s in McCook or 501 Broadway – south entrance in Imperial.

WESTCO and the Land O’ Lakes Foundation continued their support of local food pantries with a $10,000 donation to Panhandle Love in Action on Wednesday. The contribution was made possible by the Land O’ Lakes Foundation’s Member Coop Match Program, Feeding Our Communities, which focuses specifically on helping alleviate hunger in rural America.

The Member Co-op Match Program matches dollar-for-dollar the cash donation of member cooperatives, thus doubling the funds available for hometown projects and programs.

“As a part of our commitment to rural communities where Land O’Lakes, Inc. members, employees and facilities are located, Land O’Lakes Foundation is pleased to match donations by member cooperatives which help enhance the quality of life in their local communities,” said Lydia Botham, Executive Director for the Land O’Lakes Foundation.

WESTCO General Manager David Briggs added, “WESTCO is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Land O’ Lakes once again in supporting local food pantries. Panhandle Love in Action continues to provide a vital service year-round and we hope these funds can help them with their goals of alleviating hunger in the community.”

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

-

19-Dec-2018 / NSP release

DECEMBER 18, 2018 (SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.) — Investigators with the WING (Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group) Task Force have arrested two men and broken up a marijuana growing operation in Scotts Bluff County.

In the morning hours of Tuesday, December 18, the WING Task Force, with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, and the 1057 Military Police Unit, served a search warrant on a residence at 160283 CR 20, outside of Gering.

During the search, investigators found approximately 75 marijuana plants hidden behind a false wall in a potato cellar. Investigators also discovered a butane hash oil extraction lab, nine firearms, and a small amount of methamphetamine.

Robert Newton, 46, and William Burkhardt, 50, both of Gering, were arrested for cultivating marijuana, manufacturing hash, and possession of a controlled substance. Both men were lodged in Scotts Bluff County Jail. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges could be added.

The WING Task Force is made up of investigators from the sheriff’s offices and police departments that cover the eleven counties of the Nebraska panhandle and the Nebraska State Patrol.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

-

27-Dec-2018 / Ap

Heavy snowfall and blizzard like conditions are being reported as a powerful winter storm moves through the middle of Nebraska.

The Nebraska Transportation Department closed Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 30 in both directions Thursday, from Grand Island to North Platte. It cited whiteout and other weather factors.

The National Weather Service has posted blizzard or winter storm warnings for several counties. Most of the warnings are scheduled to expire by Friday morning.

Six inches (15 centimeters) of snow was reported in Cozad and Elwood.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

-

24-Jan-2019 / OTCF Press Release

Scottsbluff, Nebraska -1/19/19- West Nebraska Arts Center (WNAC) has been awarded a grant of $4,000.00 by the Oregon Trail Community Foundation (OTCF) to purchase new sound systems for both of our galleries, the Main gallery and our Bronson gallery.

West Nebraska Arts Center Executive Director, Michele Denon, said, “We are thrilled to be supported by such a wonderful organization. OTCF and their financial leadership are an important part of the upkeep, as well as the progress, at WNAC, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the support.” The sound systems have already helped to round out the beautiful environment we have here at the West Nebraska Arts Center. Music is an integral part of the atmosphere in the galleries and sets the tone for viewing and enjoying the artwork. Our wine tasting fundraiser last weekend was enhanced by the opportunity to play 60’s music to go along with our Creative Juices theme. The sound systems we had previously were very outdated, the one from the Bronson gallery had and 8 track in it.

“The West Nebraska Arts Center building sits on the site of the old Campbellite Church. The land was sold to the City Library in 1921 by St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. The Scottsbluff Carnegie Library was constructed with a grant from the Carnegie Corporation. The building, a representation of the neo-classical revival style, has a unique personality, charm, and special features that make it a treasure in our community. We feel strongly that it is our responsibility to care for her. This grant will help us in further enhance the overall experience of our Art Shows as well as Art Classes and the Fundraisers we hold. We are appreciative of organizations such as The Oregon Trail Community Foundation, who share our vision of ensuring that WNAC is a place our community can continue to enjoy for many years to come,” Denton said.

Located on the corner of 18th Street and 1st Avenue just one block from downtown Scottsbluff, WNAC is a beautiful space with two galleries that now have 18 exhibits each year featuring local, national, and international artists representing a wide variety of visual art. Each exhibit has an opening reception providing visitors with the opportunity to meet the artist(s), see the show, and enjoy music, food and refreshments. Gallery exhibits and receptions are always FREE and open to everyone.

KANSAS CITY, MO – The National Association of Basketball Coaches announced today the matchups for the championship round of the 2018 National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Classic Powered by ShotTracker.
All four games of the Hall of Fame Classic Powered by ShotTracker at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO., will be aired live on ESPN
networks.

On Monday, November 19, Nebraska will take on Missouri State at 6 pm CT on ESPNU, followed by USC and
Texas Tech at 8:30 pm ET on ESPN2. On Tuesday, November 20, the consolation game will tip off at 6 pm CT on ESPN3,
followed by the 2018 Hall of Fame ClassicPowered by ShotTracker championship game at 8:30pm ET on ESPN2.

Tickets for the championship round games at Sprint Center will be available beginning at 10:00am CT on August 4th by visitingwww.halloffameweekend.com,www.axs.com,
by phone at 888-929-7849, or in person at Sprint Center Box Office.

The Hall of Fame Classic Powered by ShotTracker will be the culminating event of college basketball’s Hall of Fame Weekend, which
also includes the 13th annual induction ceremony for the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. That event will take place on
Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland in Kansas City.

---- CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS ----

Semifinal Doubleheader

Sprint Center – Kansas City, Mo.

Monday, November 19 – 6:00 PM CT

Nebraska vs. Missouri State (ESPNU)

USC vs. Texas Tech (ESPN2)

Championship Doubleheader

Sprint Center – Kansas City, Mo.

Tuesday, November 20 – 6:00 PM CT

Consolation Game (ESPN3)

Championship Game (ESPN2)

Those four schools will serve as the four host round participants for this year’s Hall of Fame Classic Powered by ShotTracker, with
the opening round games of the tournament beginning on November 6th. Each of those teams will play two games on campus, before advancing
to the championship rounds in Kansas City. Joining the four host teams in the 2018 Hall of Fame Classic Powered by ShotTracker are Mississippi Valley State, Robert Morris, Southeastern Louisiana and Stetson. The complete list of games for the 2018 Hall of Fame Classic Powered by Shot Tracker are as follows:

LINCOLN, NE—Today, the Nebraska Shrine Bowl Board of Directors released the rosters for
the 61st Annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl Game.

Head Coaches Paul Limongi (Omaha Burke HS) and Glen Snodgrass (York HS) together with their coaching staffs each chose from nominated seniors in their
designated regions to represent their respective high schools, as well as North or South, in the 2019 Nebraska Shrine Bowl.

NORTH TEAM

SOUTH TEAM

Kodjo Atikphou, Grand Island

Cole Aniello, Millard West

Ryan Bena, Creighton Prep

Edwen Baptista, Friend

Koby Brandenburg, Central City

Quinn Butzke, Centennial

Mehki Butler, Omaha North

Hunter Chilton, Gretna

Cedric Case, Lincoln High

John Christensen, Bruning-Davenport

Tyler Chadwick, Omaha Burke

Baily Darnell, Auburn

Connor Cowling, Norfolk

Jaiden Davis, Lincoln Southeast

Jackson Creek, Millard North

Joe Dworak, Lincoln Pius X

Shane Dailey, Jr., Bellevue West

Jarod Epperson, Omaha Skutt

Sid DeMayo, Mt. Michael

Colin Giron, McCook

Lane Edis, Mullen

Taevyn Grixby, Lincoln Southwest

Grayson Garey, Broken Bow

D.J. Gross, McCook

Trenton Harbor, Gothenburg

Tyson Guzman, Omaha Westside

Jack Hasz, Creighon Prep

Gabe Heins, Kearney

Jacob Herbek, GICC

Jackson Hirschfeld, Centennial

Mason Hiemstra, Alliance

Torrence Jackson, Omaha Central

Garrett Hustedt, Mt. Michael

Austin Jablonski, Lincoln Pius X

Cooper Jewett, Elkhorn South

Joseph Krause, Seward

Caden Johnson, Wahoo Bishop Neumann

Nick Leader, Lincoln Southwest

Chris Jones, Lincoln High

Alex Lewis, Omaha South

Rhett Jordan, Waverly

Jayden Merriman, Millard South

Kaden Kneifl, Wayne

Mike McClanahan, Papillion LaVista South

Sam Kolterman, Wahoo

Brayden Miller, Kearney

Quincy Nichols, Blair

Riley Moses, Fillmore Central

Steven Krawczyk, Omaha North

Chase Norblade, Papillion LaVista South

Lane McGinley, Valentine

Nouredin Nouli, Norris

Robert Pentecost, Papillion LaVista

Garrett Nuss, Sutton

Luke Reimer, Lincoln North Star

Caden Opfer, Gretna

Keegan Reitschneider, Scottsbluff

Lucas Paloucek, Ogallala

Jackson Ritchhart, Fremont

Cade Reichardt, Aurora

Alex Rodgers, Omaha Roncalli Catholic

PJ Schaben, Seward

Dylan Sales, Omaha Burke

Barrett Sellon, Lincoln East

Logan Schuelke, Waverly

Braden Sellon, Lincoln East

Sam Sims, Grand Island

Garrett Snodgrass, York

Jack Sutton, Wahoo

Noah Stafursky, York

Joe Teten, Norfolk Catholic

Jack Towne, Millard South

Jesse Ulrich, Ord

Landon Weber, Adams Central

Bryce Zimmerer, Creighton

T.J. Skradski, Omaha Skutt

NORTH COACHES

SOUTH COACHES

Paul Limongi, Omaha Burke

Glen Snodgrass, York

Blake Beebout, Valentine

Matt Maltsberger, York

Brock Eichelberger, O'Neill

Jamie Opfer, Seward

Chris Seebohm, Alliance

Kam Lenhart, Fairbury

Ben Ryan, Omaha Burke

Matt Kern, York

Andy Schatzberg, Omaha Burke

Eric Ryan, Overton

About the Nebraska Shrine BowlThe Shrine Bowl of Nebraska is the state's most prestigious high school all-star sports event. The 501(c)(3) non-profit produces annual events
and related activities to raise funds and awareness to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a healthcare system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty
care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and
receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

The 61st Annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl will be played Saturday, June 1, 2019, in Kearney, at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium on the campus of the University
of Nebraska—Kearney. For more information, visit www.neshrinebowl.org.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

-

09-Jan-2019 / Hometown Family Radio Sports Network

Scottsbluff, NE - Tuesday afternoon Activities Director Dave Hoxworth of Scottsbluff Public Schools informed the media that Bearcat football coach Joe Benson would be stepping down from his coaching position. Benson who helped guide the program in multiple coaching roles for 30 years was the sole head football coach for the last 12 seasons. This last season was the most successful for Benson, leading the Bearcats to the state championship game in Lincoln vs Omaha Skutt Catholic. Below is the release that Dave Hoxworth sent out to the media informing them of the Coach Benson decision.

Good Afternoon,

The purpose of this email is to inform you that Coach Joe Benson has resigned his position as Head Football Coach at Scottsbluff High School.

This position will be opened up immediately and remain open until filled.

Coach Benson has agreed to help the team transition through the winter conditioning season, and our goal is to have a replacement for him as soon as possible.

Through Coach Benson's 30 year career at Scottsbluff, Joe coached at the freshman level for 2 years and the last 28 years with the varsity program and the last 12 years as the head coach. Coach Benson compiled an 85-39 record as the head coach of the Bearcats. Prior to becoming the head coach, Joe served as the defensive coordinator for several years.

It is very difficult to lose a coach that has had such a positive impact on our football program for the last 30 years. Joe has a tireless work ethic and is a coach that truly loves the game of football, but most importantly, Coach Benson loved building relationships with our student-athletes and treating kids with a tremendous amount of respect. One of Joe's greatest qualities was to get the absolute best from every athlete that competed on our football team. Coach Benson has a unique gift to place a player in positions on our football team that would directly impact the success of our team.

We wish Coach Benson the best and thank him and his family very much for the long-lasting impact and the sacrifices they have made that comes with the responsibility of being a head football coach.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

-

15-Jan-2019 / MCC Athletics/Brent Cobb

The Air Force Prep Huskies banked in a 3-pointer off the boards as time expired to sink the McCook Community College Men Tuesday in the Peter and Dolores
Graff Events Center 81-80.

MCC had taken the lead on sophomore Peanut Cunningham’s (Louisville, Kent.) drive down the lane that put the Indians up 80-78 with 9.4 seconds remaining.
Air Force Prep got the ball up court for a 3-pointer that missed but Prep’s Marcus Hill ran down the rebound and put it up and in for the win.

“We box out and we’re happy with a great win over a quality team,” MCC Coach Brandon Lenhart said. “Instead we’re disappointed with a loss.”

The two teams battled back-and-forth in the first half. The Indians took an eight-point lead at the 12:56 mark but Air Force Prep fought back to lead
by five points at the 7:12 mark. MCC took the lead back but the Huskies worked a last-second shot to end the first half and brought them to within
four points of the Indians 40-36.

“We’re just having a hard tie guarding in half-court,” Lenhart said.

MCC stretched the lead to double-digits in the early part of the second half until the Huskies switched things up defensively.

“They went to a zone and it slowed us down for four or five possessions,” Lenhart said.

The Huskies cut the MCC lead to 62-59 at the 10:00 mark and the game remained tight down the stretch.

“Peanut really lifted us in the second half,” Lenhart said.

Cunningham scored 15 of his game-high 21 points in the second half to pace the Indians. Freshman Miles Black (Jonesboro, Ga.) hit three 3-pointers
in the second half on the way to a 17-point night. Freshmen Tyrek Battle-Holley (Jersey City, N.J.) and Mardrez McBride (Augusta, Ga.) both chipped
in nine points.

Air Force Prep canned 30 of 55 field goals for the game (56.7 percent) and 14 of 34 shots from beyond the 3-point line (41.2 percent) including 10
of 21 in the second half (47.6 percent).

“You just can’t allow a team to shoot 56 percent for the game, 42 percent from the 3-point line and let them take 34 of them,” Lenhart said.

MCC shot 49.3 percent from the field on 69 shots, and 32.1 percent from the 3-point line on 28 shots,

The Indians out-rebounded the Huskies 35-31 with Sophomore Ron White (New York, N.Y.) leading MCC on the boards with seven.

“I mean there was a lot of good that took place tonight, but in a loss you give up an inch here and an inch there and it adds up,” Lenhart said.

The Indians forced Air Force Prep into 17 turnovers, while committing nine.

The Indians fall to 7-8 on the year and begin Region IX South Division Play this weekend in Colorado, Friday at La Junta, Colo. against Otero Junior
College and Saturday at Trinidad State. Then comes two more Region IX road games Jan. 22 at Scottsbluff against Western Nebraska and Jan. 25 at
Sterling, Colo. against Northeastern Junior College.

MCC's only home game in the region comes Jan 29 when the Indians host North Platte.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The McCook Community College men’s basketball team dropped its first game of the year Tuesday falling to Air Force Prep 88-72.
MCC was out-scored from the 3-point line by 30 points.

The Indians were 29 of 65 from the field (44.6 percent) five of 18 from the 3-point line (27.8 percent) and nine of 11 from the free-throw line (81.8
percent). MCC won the rebound battle 34-25.

Air Force Prep made 31 of 61 shots from the floor (50.8 percent) including 15 of 31 from the 3-point line (48.4 percent) and 11 of 14 from the line
(78.6 percent.)

MCC takes its 2-1 mark on the road to Wyoming this weekend facing 2-0 Eastern Wyoming Friday and 0-2 Lamar on Saturday.

The next home contests come Nov. 16-17 as the Indians host Cloud County (6 p.m. on Nov. 16) and Garden City (4 p.m. Nov. 17) in the Region IX vs. Region
I shootout in the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.